The Lincoln Memorial is a renowned national monument of US that was built from 1914 to 1922 to honor Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the US. The Lincoln Memorial is a part of the National Mall, and it is located on its western end. Across the Lincoln Memorial is the Washington Monument. The architect who built this memorial was Henry Bacon. Daniel Chester French designed the famous Abraham Lincoln statue in 1920, but the famous Piccirilli Brothers were the ones who actually carved it. It is also important to mention that the artist Jules Guerin, painted the interior murals. Although this is not the only attraction that honors President Abraham Lincoln, it has always been a popular tourist attraction.
The Architecture of Lincoln Memorial
The building is built in Neoclassical style, very popular at the time, especially for important governmental institutions, museums, and cultural institutions. The Neoclassical style is inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture. The building is in the form a Greek Doric temple. The Neoclassical style arrived in the late 18th century and has become very popular. The style also gave great emphasis to sculpture in general. The memorial contains a large seated statue of Abraham Lincoln and has his two known speeches inscribed in the lower parts of the sculpture. Two well-known speeches of Abraham Lincoln are the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address. This memorial site has inspired many famous speeches in the American history, including Martin Luther King Jr. speech “I Have a Dream”.
Since the National Mall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places since October 1966, all its monuments, from National World War II Memorial to the Lincoln Memorial, were also listed and protected as sites of exceptional historic and cultural significance. This memorial can be visited anytime because it is opened 24 hours a day. The American Institute of Architects has listed among America’s Favorite Architecture. It is estimated that around 8 million people visit this memorial every year.
History of Lincoln Memorial
Three years after Lincoln’s assassination, the first memorial to Abraham Lincoln that was opened to the public was built in Washington, D.C. After Lincoln’s death, there were many demands to honor him. Although there were many efforts to design a proper monument that would honor and glorify this president, the entire matter lay dormant until the beginning of 20th century. Under the leadership of Senator Shelby M. Cullom of Illinois, plans for a new memorial commission were developed. Under the U.S. President William H. Taft, the first meeting regarding the Lincoln Memorial Commission was held. In 1913, the location, as well as the design was finally approved by the Congress. After a dedication ceremony was held in 1914, the construction of the memorial began. In 1922, the project was finished.
The built structure measures 189.7 by 118.5 feet, and it’s 99 feet tall. Inspired by classic Greek architecture, it is surrounded by a peristyle of Doric columns. Each of the 36 columns represents the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death. The shrine, along with the pool monumental steps and the statue of the president, ancient Greek Architecture and culture is reflected. For more information about Washington DC, click here.
Washington DC Things To Do and See
Smithsonian Institute
Visit The Zoo
Guided Tours of Fords Theatre
Visit The Lincoln Memorial
Walk On The National Mall
Most Popular Museums
Fine Cuisine
Tour The Washington Monument
Discover The Tidal Basin Reservoir
Explore The Neighborhood
Top Schools In The Area
Discover The Job Market
Take A Walk On Capitol Hill
See The Renwick Gallery Branch
African American Museum Tours
Historic Blair House Attraction
Visit Layayette Square
Word World II Memorial Visits
Memorial For Vietnam Veterans
Photo Safari Tours
Discover Ghost Tours
Philanthropy At Its Finest